In Her Own Words: An Interview with Karen Gerton
by Avery Sudow, Communications & Development Director
Karen Gerton walked through the doors of B’nai Israel in 1989 with her then four-year-old daughter Lisa in tow. The connection was so instant that she was offered a teaching position on the spot. In Karen’s words that moment became “the start of an enduring love affair with B’nai.” Karen then went on to be a teacher for eight years and the director of the nursery school for 24 years. Upon her retirement on June 30, Karen will become the Early Childhood Director Emerita.
Recently, I sat with Karen (virtually) and invited her to reflect on her tenure and what has changed, and what hasn’t, about raising children.
Q: What do you believe has changed the most since you started with BISNS?
Karen: My tenure mirrored many of the changes that have occurred in our society —for instance we’ve seen the rapid rise of technology immersion and the ever-quickening pace and stressful challenges of full-time working-parent households. But in the face of all those transformations, parents remained devoted to ensuring their children’s happiness and a love for learning.
Q: You’ve touched on it, but what do you believe has changed the least in your impressive tenure?
Karen: The kids still come to us with ten fingers, ten toes and a big smile. That hasn’t changed. All the dreams for their children’s future that parents carry in their hearts. That hasn’t changed. What also hasn’t changed are the core elements and necessity of building relationships. We’ve been exceptional at teaching children, and at raising families too. It still just takes patience, individual attention, holding hands and the good fortune to be a part of a loving community.
Q: What are you the most proud of that you have been able to accomplish?
Karen: You know there are so many memories, but a few come to mind right now. I’m very proud when hearing about new family traditions that children bring into their homes from our school. Excited children lighting Shabbat candles or singing the four questions at Seder shows we’ve planted the seeds of significant joyous roots in being Jewish.
I also love hearing about relationships that families develop with each other. I’ll never forget one day walking into Mykonos to find four former B’nai Nursery School families sharing a meal. They joyfully shouted out, “Look Karen, we’re still best friends!” That affirming moment will stay with me forever.
And then I’m also very proud of my Open Door policy. If you ever needed me, I would always find a way to be there.
Q: What advice do you have for parents on raising happy and thriving young children?
Karen: It’s difficult to generalize because every child and family is unique. But there are also so many common experiences that parents share. Parenting is less a verb and more a state of mind. We’re constantly juggling mixed messages: Let them go…but don’t take your eyes off them… Be carefree…set limits… Be kind to others…it’s ok to be selfish. If every day a parent can juggle some of the following, they’ll have a chance to enjoy a good day: Laugh. Cry. Jump. Think. Sing. Hold Hands. Make Mistakes. Ask for Help. Our children will be forever grateful for what we model.
Q: What do you have to say to all of the teachers who have worked for you during the last 30 years?
Karen: I’ll always struggle to find enough words to express my affection, respect and appreciation for your devotion to our children. We all share a love of learning that is unlike any other passion in life. So many of us have enjoyed a lot of years together and I’m grateful and honored to have you as my friends. Together we’ve created a community of tenderness, joy, and wishes that come true for anyone fortunate enough to enter our school family. Yasher Koach.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
Karen: As Carole King and James Taylor harmonized. “Just call out my name, and I’ll come running.” I’m excited to go running alongside my children and grandchildren and dream about my next chapters in our community. And just like any wide-eyed and uncertain child on the first day of school, I won’t fully know what retirement is for me until I get there. And hopefully I’m not completely retiring until we all have one last chance to celebrate and hold hands again in person.